On April 27, 2011, an EF5 tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, killing 6 people, injuring dozens more and causing millions of dollars in damage. Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama, known for it's football team, the Crimson Tide. Though football season was months away, the football team became a symbol of hope for the residents of Tuscaloosa.

In the detailed writing and in-depth reporting that accompanies Sports Illustrated, Lars Anderson write a poignant story of triumph over tragedy, of love, of loss, of hope, and of resistance. Just like the New Orleans Saints helped New Orleans after Katrina, like the Yankees helped New York after 9/11, and like the Red Sox helped Boston after the Boston Marathon Bombing, The Crimson Tide football team and head coach Nick Saban became a rallying cry for Tuscaloosa. As fate should have it, The Tide won the National Championship in 2011.

Anderson's writing is picture-perfect, and, though he doesn't mean to, some phrases stand out as humorous, adding some comedic relief to a heartbreaking story. ( )